According to baglib.com, Nigeria is located in West Africa and is bordered by Niger, Benin, Cameroon, and Chad. It is the most populous country in Africa with a population of over 200 million people. Nigeria covers an area of 923,768 square kilometers and has a coastline that stretches for 853 kilometers along the Gulf of Guinea in the Atlantic Ocean. The country is divided into six geopolitical regions: North Central, North East, North West, South East, South West, and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).
The terrain of Nigeria varies greatly across its different regions. The northern part of the country has mostly savanna grasslands while the southern part is mostly tropical rainforest. The central region consists of both savanna and forested areas as well as a large number of rivers. In addition to these three major regions there are also several islands off the coast including Lagos Island and Ilashe Island which are popular tourist destinations.
The climate in Nigeria also varies depending on location with temperatures ranging from hot to very hot throughout much of the year. Rainfall is abundant throughout most parts of the country however some areas experience seasonal dry spells due to their proximity to deserts such as those found in Chad and Cameroon. The coastal areas receive more rainfall than inland areas due to their proximity to the Atlantic Ocean.
Nigeria has many natural resources including oil, gas, coal, iron ore and tin ore which have all contributed significantly to its economy over recent years. It also benefits from its rich wildlife populations which include lions, elephants and gorillas among many other species making it a popular destination for eco-tourism activities such as safari tours or visits to national parks like Yankari Game Reserve or Cross River National Park where endangered species can be seen up close.
Mountains
Nigeria is a land of diverse geography, and its mountains are a major part of this. The highest mountain in Nigeria is Chappal Waddi, located in the north-eastern state of Borno. It stands at 2,419 meters above sea level and is the highest point in the country. Other notable mountains include Gangirwal, located in Kaduna State and standing at 1,936 meters. The Mambilla Plateau is another prominent mountain region that stretches over three states – Taraba, Adamawa, and Gombe. It reaches heights of up to 2,000 meters and is home to a variety of wildlife. Another well-known mountain range is the Shebshi Mountains located in Yobe State with peaks reaching up to 1,500 meters above sea level. These mountains are popular among hikers due to their lush green valleys and spectacular views. The Mandara Mountains are also worth mentioning as they form a natural border between Nigeria and Cameroon with heights reaching up to 2,400 meters above sea level. Finally, the Jos Plateau stands out as an area of high altitude plains that reach heights between 900-1,200 meters above sea level. These plains offer stunning views of rolling hills and valleys filled with various species of plants and animals.
Rivers
The Niger River is the longest river in Nigeria and the second longest river in Africa. It is approximately 4,180 km long and originates from the Guinea Highlands in southeastern Guinea before flowing southward through Nigeria and eventually emptying into the Gulf of Guinea. The Niger River is an important source of water for many parts of Nigeria, providing drinking water, irrigation for crops, and a source of fish. The Benue River is another major river in Nigeria. It is a tributary of the Niger River and flows through several cities such as Lokoja, Makurdi, Gboko, Oturkpo, and Abinsi. The Benue River provides water to many parts of central Nigeria for irrigation purposes as well as fishing activities. The Kaduna River is another major river in Nigeria that flows through Kaduna State before joining the Niger River at Lokoja. This river provides water to many towns in northern Nigeria for drinking purposes, crop cultivation, and fishing activities. Finally, the Cross River is yet another major river found in southern Nigeria that flows from its source near Cameroon before emptying into the Atlantic Ocean near Calabar City. This river serves as an important source of water for many parts of southeastern Nigeria including Akwa Ibom State and Cross Rivers State where it helps to irrigate crops and provide drinking water to local communities.
Lakes
Nigeria is home to some of the most important and beautiful lakes in the world. Lake Chad, located in the extreme northeast of Nigeria, is the largest lake in West Africa. It is also one of the most important bodies of water in the region, supplying water to more than 20 million people living in Nigeria, Cameroon, Chad and Niger. The lake has been shrinking due to climate change and over-extraction for irrigation purposes. Nevertheless, it remains an important source of livelihood for many local communities who depend on fishing and other activities related to the lake. Another major lake located in Nigeria is Lake Kainji. This large reservoir was created when a dam was built across the Niger River in 1968. It provides hydroelectric power to much of northern Nigeria as well as recreational opportunities for locals and tourists alike. There are also numerous smaller bodies of water scattered throughout Nigeria such as Lake Oluwa near Abeokuta which serves as a popular tourist attraction with its natural beauty and serene atmosphere. All these lakes provide immense economic value to Nigeria by providing sources of food, industry, energy production and recreation opportunities for its citizens.
